increase font size
German manufacturer Horsch says it is at an advanced stage of developing its autonomous planter.
German farm machinery manufacturer Horsch says it is at an advanced stage of developing its aptly named Robo autonomous planter.
The company says it will release more details toward the end of June 2022.
However, recently on social media, a video showed one of the company's large red planters being towed to a field by a truck, then being put through its paces drilling corn. This led chief executive Phillip Horsch to confirm that the Robo planter was undergoing real planting trials.
"The Robo works well, planting autonomously and making turns unaided on the headland etc," he says.
Horsch also noted that safety regulations in Germany are so strict for fully autonomous vehicles that a supervisor/operator had to stay within 600 metres to always watch the machine.
He added that two more autonomous 'concepts' would follow the Robo by the end of the year. The company also manufactures trailed and self-propelled sprayers and is keen to develop robotic versions of these machines as well.
Horsch indicated the autonomous machine was likely to be released for sale in about two years, depending on efforts to change current regulations.
Running on a twin-track system, the Horsch Robo is equipped with a Trimble navigation system and fitted with a large seed hopper that supplies the 24 row Maestro seeding element.
The arrival of new F8 and F9 designations for its 8000 and 9000 series forage harvesters, signals a swag of upgrades from John Deere, highlighted by topping the 1000hp mark for the first time.
Waikato-Bay of Plenty farmer Hugh Jackson recently secured this year’s FMG Young Farmer of the Year title in Invercargill.
Ashburton-based Carrfields has signed an agreement with Manitou to take over the distribution and retail rights for Manitou Agricultural Equipment covering the lower North Island and the South Island, effective August 1, 2025.
With June ending and following the most upbeat National Fieldays for several years, tractor dealers are reporting a lift in sales.
Samasz distributor FarmShop has introduced the new XDF Series Front Mowers, said to be refined for local conditions and to improve cutting precision and wear resistance.
OPINION: As negotiations advance on the India-New Zealand FTA, it’s important to remember the joint commitment made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at the beginning of this process in March: for a balanced, ambitious, comprehensive, and mutually beneficial agreement.
Minister for Universities, Shane Reti, has opened the final new build in a ten plus year project to upgrade the veterinary facilities at Massey University.
As New Zealand experiences more frequent and severe flooding events, the Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman Scheme (IFSO Scheme) is urging consumers to be honest and accurate when making insurance claims for flood damage.
A recently held arable field day in the Manawatu brought with it a timely reminder to be on the lookout for velvetleaf incursions.
In a significant shift for employers, wage theft is no longer only a civil matter but now also a criminal one.
In partnership with Growing Future Farmers (GFF), Fonterra says it is increasing support for young people entering the dairy industry with a new two-year programme.
